Here is an intriguing essay about 8 generatives (traits/characteristics) that make digital products and services worth paying for. I don't really care about the details of this in the tech field, as much as I wonder how these 8 traits can be translated to churches or individuals. If these 8 traits are truly valuable (something that makes someone willing to pay for it), than how would these 8 traits impact our local church or our personal relationships, if we could incorporate them into what we do? It really is intriguing. Here are the 8 generatives with some instant questions I can think of for applying this to our personal lives (churches, small groups, etc):
I will have to think more about this, but I think there is some significant insight here.
- Immediacy - Is there an 'instant-ness' or first-come-first-served impression? Do you return calls in a timely manner? Emails?
- Personalization - Does someone know it is for them, personally, and not just a mass email or one size fits all?
- Interpretation - Can someone easily understand the message, the service, the tradition, your intentions? Are things explained or easy to figure out?
- Authenticity - Is it genuine, real, not a copy of a copy? Did you write the words yourself or just copy them off a halmark card or email forward? Did you write the letter or did your secretary, wife, etc?
- Accessibility - Is it (or am I) available when needed? Or, do I have to schedule an appointment 3 weeks out? Is there a way for me to find what I need easily, whether directions or answers?
- Embodiment - Is there some aspect of our church service, our cup of coffee, our outreach event, that can be taken home? Is there a "souvenir", whether tangible or intellectual? What's the "take-away"?
- Patronage - The article explains, "There are many other examples of the audience paying simply because it feels good." I'm not suggesting charging for friendship or cajoling visitors to put something in the offering plate. But there is a sense that people want to "contribute" to something that they deem valuable. Is there a way for others to contribute to your church (maybe through volunteering) or to your life? There are reasonable expectations of give and take in relationships. But if a church is so big or a relationship is too lop-sided, it becomes worthless.
- Findability - How easy is your church to find? The nursery? The men's prayer meeting? How open and hospitable are you as a person? Do people "find" you easily?
I will have to think more about this, but I think there is some significant insight here.